Hindustan Aeronautics hold Mahindra United

An 85th minute strike by Raja Baliev Nurlan enabled debutants Hindustan Aeronautics Sports Club hold formidable Mahindra United 1-1 in a ninth round clash in the National Football League, in Bangalore, on Wednesday.

After Mahindra took the lead through a Jules Alberto Dias goal, off an Austin Okolo pass in the 40th minute, HASC fought back gallantly in the last 15 minutes during which Nurlan got the equaliser.

The draw helped the local league champions to swell their tally to 15 points from nine matches, which include four wins three draws and two losses.

Mahindra, who were keen to win this match and jump to the top of the table, have 16 points from nine matches. They have four wins, four draws and a solitary defeat.

HASC virtually stormed the rival half for the first 15 minutes and dominated the proceedings, but poor finishing saw the local team waste at least three glit-edged chances with S Sunil and Nigerian Mulisa Jimmy being the culprits.

However, the Mumbai team, once they settled down, took control and held the upper hand for the next one hour. Renewed efforts from the Mahindra forwards resulted in the Dias goal, when the lanky youngster headed home a fine Okolo centre.

The local defenders did well to keep the deficit at the minimum with Santosh Kiran, Sunil Kumar and Gnanprakash doing a neat job.

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